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1980 Lotus Espirit

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StevenH

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Found a 1980 Lotus Espirit that has been sitting in a garage for a number of year. From the pictures, interior is complete and exterior, while having faded paint, looks good.
Has not been started in years. Are there any problems specific to this model and or year that I should look for or at when viewing the car in person? thanks,
Steven
 
There's a pretty good website that will tell you a lot about them - I really can't add to the experience to be found there.
 
Do NOT try to chime it up or even TURN it over until you've replaced the cam belt, ~please~!!

A belt left that long in the same position is a catastrophe in waiting. You'll reduce the machine to a lump. Mebbe not on the first go, but it is inevitable within a few hours' time.

Use Tony Barnhill's guide to "awakening a Sleeping B" article for general help on a good proceedure to check it over before trying to light it off, too (after the belt gets R&R'd).
 
Dr E is correct. May I also suggest that you install the cam belt with the timing 90 degrees off TDC so taht the pistons are at half mast. The cams are spring loaded to disaster at TDC and if a cam turns, it will ruin you engine.

If you need help with this feel free to ask.

Have a nice day
Steve
 
Meeheee!! ~SPRONG!~


Head off otherwise. Put th' block at "half-mast" as Steve suggests. That way the valves won't whack pistons.


Get a 90? manual to give you some guidance.
 
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